A cafe owner has brought in a former top Tees hotel chef to revive a popular Stockton cafe.

Mark Hayes has reopened the Drop In Cafe on the town’s Norton Road - with Rushpool Hall chef Paul Smith running the kitchen.

Mark, 33, is taking his first steps in the property holdings sector with the venture, and wants to follow it up with at least five more thriving businesses in the coming years.

The Drop-In cafe chef Paul Smith from Rushpool Hall

And it’s a family affair; Mark’s mum Beverley Poulson will run the cafe, while Mark continues his full-time job as a manager in a car dealership.

He said: “Some six years ago, this was a great little cafe that was popular in the area. I intend to return it to those heights.

“This is the first one of hopefully five or six cafes I’ll open over the next few years.

Full English breakfast at The Drop-In cafe, Norton Road, Stockton

“It’s got a loyal base of customers, but the place got a bit tired and needed a big refurb. It’s still a good little business but there’s a lot more potential there.

“The previous owner was very down to earth, it was a nice friendly place to be - and the reputation grew.”

Mark, from Middlesbrough , has also retained all original staff. He wants to run his business, new limited company, MA Hayes Holdings Ltd - alongside his full-time job.

The Drop-In cafe, Norton Road, Stockton

“My mum used to work at Rushpool Hall too, as a kitchen assistant and head housekeeper. She’s always wanted a cafe to run herself, so I gave her this; she’s done it for a lot of other people now it’s her turn. She will make it her own.

“Paul is fully on board, he’s got a good working relationship with my mum. The kitchen is entirely his, front of house will be my mum’s.”

Paul will be serving up sandwiches, bagels and jackets, with tried and tested favourites and some new dishes - including his take on an open lasagne using fresh ingredients every time.

“AT the moment, this is a complete unknown for me,” Mark added, “it’s exciting but scary at the same time.”